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    a Woman to watch

    Kendra Scott celebrates International Women's Day with new watch collection and philanthropic foundation

    Hannah J. Frías
    Mar 9, 2023 | 2:29 pm
    Kendra Scott Watches
    Courtesy of Kendra Scott

    Today is International Women's Day, and jewelry icon and philanthropist Kendra Scott is celebrating as Kendra Scott does best — launching an all-new collection and announcing a new charitable foundation.

    A component of the Austin Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3), the mission of the Kendra Scott Foundation is to empower women and youth in the areas of health and wellness, education, and entrepreneurship. According to a release, Kendra Scott started her brand with the intention of doing good first and selling jewelry second, a philanthropic mentality that has been embedded into every facet of the company. The Foundation will allow Kendra Scott to do even more good and serve as an overarching platform to deepen the brand’s investment in changing the lives of women and youth.

    Scott has proudly donated more than $50 million to local, national, and international causes since 2010. Centering around the pillars of wellness, education, and entrepreneurship, Scott's philanthropic efforts include a commitment to breast cancer research through Yellow for Pink by Kendra Scott; a creative arts program for pediatric hospitals called Kendra Cares; support for educators and underserved students; and growing the next generation of women leaders through the Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at the University of Texas at Austin.

    “My intention when I started this business was always to do good first and sell jewelry second, and the launch of the Kendra Scott Foundation will allow us to continue to do just that for decades to come,” said Kendra Scott, Founder, Designer, and Executive Chairwoman of the brand via release. “I have always strived to use my talents to improve the lives of others, especially women who need to be connected to sources that will help them flourish. This is why the Kendra Scott Foundation was created and why we are so driven and inspired to expand our impact and reach even more women and youth each and every day.”

    Also launching on March 8, the brand released a new collection of watches and watch bands to add to their 2022 timepiece collection. New additions include the Iridescent Stainless-Steel band, available in the Alex Link Watch Band, featuring subtle spring hues; a refresh of the best-selling Dira watch with an Iridescent Sunray face and featuring a diamond embedded within Kendra Scott’s iconic medallion logo; and the Filigree Leather Watch Band. Designed exclusively for Apple Watch®, the latter is crafted with genuine Italian leather in luxurious shades and features the brand's signature logo as a pattern on the band.

    The new collection of watches and watch bands range from $138-$288, and are available at KendraScott.com and in retail stores nationwide.

    Kendra Scott watches 2023

    Courtesy of Kendra Scott

    Designed exclusively for Apple Watch®, the Filigree Leather Watch Band features the brand's signature logo as a pattern on the band.

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    BIJOU BAGS

    Houston designers' diamond-adorned handbags turn heads in Hollywood

    Gabi De la Rosa
    Nov 5, 2025 | 10:30 am
    Kim Wilson and Mary Kay Bowden
    Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet
    Houston-based twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson, co-founders of 11 Juillet.

    Houston twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson are showcasing their Southern roots and global perspective with the launch of 11 Juillet. The brand's fine jewelry and luxury handbags are already favored by A-listers including Katie Holmes, Leslie Bibb, Jenna Ortega, Emma Roberts, and Jennifer Aniston.

    11 Juillet, named after the twins’ birthday, debuted its first collection in March. The line blends Italian craftsmanship with modern elegance, featuring handbags made from Italian calfskin leather and jewelry made with malachite, mother-of-pearl, onyx, and ethically sourced diamonds.

    “I’ve called Houston home for about 20 years, and Kim’s been here for about four,” Bowden tells CultureMap. “We originally grew up in Kentucky, where we first began to appreciate quality craftsmanship. In our early twenties, we spent time in New York, where we were introduced to fashion and design, followed by countless trips to Paris that deepened our appreciation for Parisian art and elegance. Once we settled in Texas, we were inspired by the South’s distinctive style.”

    Handbags range from $8,000 to $20,000, depending on diamond selections. Each purse features a medallion made with diamonds and natural stones ranging from 3.4 to 17 carats. The medallions are removable and can be worn as jewelry.

    Leslie Bibb 11 Juliet Celebrity Leslie Bibb is a fan of the Houston-based brand 11 Juillet. Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet

    Each 11 Juillet handbag is made to order in Tuscany, where Italian artisans craft the designs from full-grain calfskin. “After visiting artisans across the globe, we found Italy’s heritage of leather craftsmanship is unmatched,” they explain. “We are closely involved in designing each silhouette and communicate with our Italian artisans daily, frequently visiting Italy to ensure every piece is made with the utmost precision and the finest materials.”

    Their debut collection, Éclat de Joie, which translates to “radiance of joy,” represents what they stand for. “To us, the Éclat de Joie is the heart of 11 Juillet, a symbol of light, joy, and individuality,” said Wilson. “Each star medallion represents the harmony between natural beauty, technical mastery, and personal expression.”

    Currently, 11 Juillet is available online only, though the brand hosts pop-ups in various cities where merchandise is available on-site.

    “Success, for us, isn’t about chasing trends, but about creating heirloom-worthy pieces through timeless designs that hold meaning, reflect exceptional craftsmanship, and can be treasured and passed down for generations,” said Bowden.

    As Houston’s fashion scene continues to grow, Bowden and Willson see the Bayou City as the perfect home base. “We are based in Houston, which is known for its effortless elegance and love of diamonds. We are inspired by Texas’s fashion scene and we wanted to create handbags that let you wear your diamonds not just as jewelry, but as modern heirlooms to be cherished and passed down.”

    Kim Wilson and Mary Kay Bowden 11 Juliet

    Photo courtesy of 11 Juillet

    Houston-based twins Mary Kay Bowden and Kim Willson, co-founders of 11 Juillet.

    houston luxury handbagshouston brandshouston fashion11 juilletshopping
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